South College Library Blog

Tired of spending hours sifting through endless search results? PubMed Alerts can help you save valuable time and stay up-to-date with the latest research in your field. 

By creating personalized alerts, you can receive regular email notifications whenever new article citations matching your specific criteria are added to the PubMed database. This means you'll never miss another important study or groundbreaking discovery. 

How does it work? 

1. Sign up for a free MyNCBI account. Note: use a personal email (e.g., Google or Microsoft account) to sign up. Your South College email will not work.  

2. Use keywords, MeSH terms, or other search criteria to specify your research interests. 

3. Click the Create alert link (under the search box). 

4. Choose how often you want to receive emails and the maximum number of citations per email. 

5. Your personalized alert will be saved and activated. 

Benefits of using PubMed Alerts: 

• Save time. No more manually searching for new articles. 

• Stay informed. Receive relevant article citations directly to your inbox. 

• Customize your alerts. Tailor your alerts to your specific research needs. 

Don't let valuable research slip through the cracks. Sign up for PubMed Alerts today and start saving time while staying informed. 

PubMed Database 

Save PubMed Searches and Set Email Alerts (Video) 

Did you know that the South College Library provides students, faculty, and staff access to over 100,000 eBooks? Find eBooks related to your academic studies, personal interests, and self-improvement. Do you enjoy reading fiction books? The library’s collection includes novels, collections of short stories, and poetry too.  

What You Need to Know About the Flu by R.K. Devlin 

What You Need to Know About the Flu offers a concise overview of influenza, exploring both historical and contemporary aspects of the virus. Seasonal flu causes significant illness, hospitalization, and death annually. Influenza can also lead to epidemics and pandemics. Experts warn of the potential for a new, deadly flu strain. This book is part of Greenwood's Inside Diseases and Disorders series, which offers concise, informative volumes on various health conditions. Each book begins with a list of top 10 questions and follows a standardized structure. In addition to basic information, the books delve into less common but important issues. Case illustrations highlight key themes and provide analysis and recommendations. 

Equity in Data: A Framework for What Counts in Schools by Andrew Knips et al. 

Rethinking Data advocates for a more equitable approach to data in education. The book challenges the traditional view of students as mere data points, arguing that their unique experiences, perspectives, and aspirations are valuable data in themselves. The authors propose a framework to create an equitable data culture. This framework involves expanding our understanding of data to include qualitative information like student voices and experiences. It also emphasizes the importance of strengthening our knowledge of data principles and overcoming the fear often associated with data. Additionally, the book calls for decolonizing data collection and analysis to center marginalized voices and challenge systemic biases. Ultimately, the goal is to transform data into meaningful action that improves student outcomes. 

What Is Cognitive Psychology? by Michael R. W. Dawson 

What Is Cognitive Psychology? delves into the fundamental theoretical underpinnings of cognitive psychology, an area often overlooked in contemporary textbooks. Beginning with a clear explanation of information processing, Michael R. W. Dawson explores how experimental psychologists infer mental processes and the scientific rigor necessary to understand rule-based symbol manipulation. By establishing a solid foundation in cognitive architecture, Dawson offers a fresh perspective on the nature of cognition. This book bridges the gap between traditional cognitive psychology and emerging fields like cognitive neuroscience, providing a deeper understanding of how the mind works. 

Leading with Empathy: Supporting People in a Hybrid World by Carolyn Reily & Bob Thomson 

Focusing on empathy as a key tool, this book examines the impact of hybrid working on staff mental health and how business leaders, managers, coaches and mentors can create a positive and motivated hybrid workforce. Part of the Business in Mind series, it is for anyone who is managing remote workers, whether individuals or teams. As the world of work has changed drastically since the Covid-19 pandemic with more staff working from home, the importance of nurturing staff well-being is more important than ever. Even though businesses are seeing the benefits of working at home, it can also create challenges. With the latest research and studies, this book explores practical ideas for finding the right working model and how to develop an appropriate leadership style. Uniquely, it discusses the neuroscience of stress to identify ways to improve workers’ mental health and inform how managers can use this to create a positive work environment. 

HR Unleashed!!: Developing the Differences That Make a Difference by Steve Browne 

Packed with heartfelt personal and professional anecdotes about his own journey to HR excellence, the bestselling author of HR on Purpose!! and HR Rising!! inspires and challenges HR professionals to do their best work while transforming the lives of people, organizations, and the world. 

Inventing Elvis by Mathias Haeussler 

Elvis Presley, a cultural icon of the 20th century, initially defied American norms with his rebellious music and provocative performances. This book explores his global transformation from a teenage rebel to a symbol of American culture, influenced by the Cold War era. It delves into his time as a G.I. soldier in West Germany, where he became a patriotic figure, and examines the double-edged sword of his fame, which both elevated and challenged American ideals. Through Elvis's journey, the book offers a captivating narrative of changing American identities, highlighting the power of popular music and consumerism in shaping the nation's image on the global stage. 

There is so much hustle and bustle packed into our lives. It can be hard to slow down and really get to know ourselves well enough to really and truly know what would make us fulfilled in life. By the time many people pause to reflect, it stems from already being unfulfilled, burnt-out, and probably feeling a little disillusioned with the journey so far.  

At this point, people have two options, keep trudging along the same path, or try something new.  

For some of you, this reflection may have already led you to pursue second or even third careers, now bringing you to South College. For others, you might just be starting your educational journey.  

Either way, taking the time now to plan your future career—aligning your education with your values and long-term goals—can save you time, money, and energy while setting you up for a fulfilling, impactful life.  

Below, you will find a breakdown of the steps to create a personal development plan that works for you, ensuring your journey is purposeful, fulfilling, and flexible. Whether you're just starting out, continuing your education to move up in your chosen field, or starting something brand new, this guide will help you align your steps to your intrinsic motivations.  

Step 1: Define Your Values  

Before diving headfirst into career choices based on factors like salary, time in school, or even your interest, start with self-reflection. Here are some questions you can ask yourself to get started in the right direction.  

1. If you had unlimited time and money, what kind of work or activities would you focus on? 

2. What personal achievements make you the proudest? 

3. What kind of impact do you want your work to have on the world or your community? 

4. What work environments make you feel most comfortable and productive? 

5. What have been the most fulfilling experiences in your life so far, and what made them fulfilling? 

Step 2: Assess Your Strengths and Passions 

Understanding your natural skills and interests is key to a long and fulfilling career. Tools like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) can help identify your personality type and strengths, offering valuable insights into suitable career paths (Krasner et al., 2024). This is a free personality test that's not only great for career planning but can also help navigate your personal life and relationship with valuable insights about you.  

Myers-Briggs Type Indicator 

Another option is to ask for feedback from trusted mentors, family, and advisors to get a more complete understanding of your abilities. We often underestimate ourselves and the talents we have. So, make sure to ask those close to you about what you do well, the answers may even surprise you!  

Step 3: Research and Explore Career Options  

Once you’ve identified your values, strengths, and passions, you can get to the fun part; researching career fields that align with you. This is the time to dream big and wide. Envision yourself in different roles, playing out how you would show up in this role, and how that would shape your life. Consider: 

• Job market demand and salary trends. 

• The day-to-day realities of potential careers. 

• Growth opportunities in your chosen field. 

Use resources like career days, job shadowing, and informational interviews to gain firsthand knowledge (Arenofsky, 2002). Networking events and online platforms are excellent for connecting with professionals in your field, giving you a clearer picture of your career options and how you can fit into that field. 

Step 4: Set Specific Career Goals 

Transform your vision into actionable steps by setting clear, realistic goals. Write your goals down and keep them visible as a constant reminder. For each goal: 

• Be specific. Example: “I will volunteer five hours weekly at a local animal shelter.” 

• Set a deadline. Example: “By the end of this semester, I will complete my internship application.” 

• List the requirements and sacrifices needed to achieve it. Example: “To pursue summer hospital volunteer work, I’ll forgo a paid summer job.” 

Career expert Eugene Raudsepp emphasizes that an action plan breaks down large tasks into manageable steps, reducing stress and increasing productivity (Arenofsky, 2002). 

Step 5: Integrate Education with Career Goals 

Now that you have your values defined, and your goals built to support them, you can go about choosing your courses, internships, and extracurricular activities that move you closer to your career path. For instance, if you aim to become a physician’s assistant, prioritize biology and health-related courses and seek hands-on experiences in healthcare settings. 

While many students view college primarily to secure better job prospects, it’s essential to see education as a tool to refine your skills and deepen your understanding of your chosen field (Baumgardner, 1982). 

Step 6: Create a Flexible Personal Development Plan 

It is important to remember your career path is not set in stone, and shifting focus does not mean giving up. Be open to revisiting and adjusting your goals and gaining new experiences and new insights. We are always growing and changing, and the mark of an intelligent mind is being able to change it.  Experiment through internships, short-term projects, or additional courses. Sometimes, unexpected opportunities may lead to better-aligned career choices. Flexibility is key to navigating the uncertainties of career decision-making.  

Step 7: Continue Planning Post-Major 

Even after declaring a major, career planning does not stop. Regularly revisit your personal development plan to: 

• Assess your progress. 

• Update your goals based on new experiences or shifts in interests. 

• Seek mentorship and feedback to refine your trajectory. 

Engage in lifelong learning by attending workshops, earning certifications, or pursuing advanced degrees if necessary. This proactive approach keeps you aligned with your values and competitive in your field.  

Bringing Passion to Your Work  

All these steps are aimed at making sure you do not just find a job post-graduation, but that you discover a career that is truly aligned with you so you can be passionate about the work you do. When you bring your passions to your career, you are not just working; you are creating the best version of yourself. This authenticity enables you to make the greatest impact on the world.  

Works Cited 

Arenofsky, J. (2002). Your career path, part II: Go for the goal. Career World, a Weekly Reader publication, 30(4), 6. https://research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=10373e44-3268-3015-a7e2-0c0a6023ecde  

Baumgardner, S. R. (1982). Coping with disillusionment, abstract images, and uncertainty in career decision making. Personnel and Guidance Journal, 61(4), 213–217. https://research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=ab1786d4-0d37-39a8-b305-eae046738215  

Krasner, H., Yim, L., & Simanton, E. (2024). The Myers-Briggs type indicator association with United States medical student performance, demographics, and career values. BMC Medical Education, 24(1), 1293. https://research.ebsco.com/linkprocessor/plink?id=afe6b4ef-4924-3164-be97-a63888d1bc72